Open Minded Traveler

The Good Syrian

Travel February 19, 2013 openmindedtraveler

February 18, 2013 I arrived at the Colombian Consulate at 6:30, nervous and full of anticipation. After freezing my ass off for an hour and a half we were let in, it paid off though cause I was second in line, or something like that. When my turn came I…

The Colombian Andes

Travel February 19, 2013 openmindedtraveler

This is my first experience traveling in Colombia. Here the Colombian Andes split into three corridors which are characterized by intensely rugged mountains which are a challenge to pass through and live in. The mountains are beautiful… They are incredibly breathtaking and you might even fall in love. Whether you…

Visa run to Tulcan, Ecuador!!!!

Culture, Teaching English, Travel February 18, 2013 openmindedtraveler

When I left for my work visa run one of the bosses gave me a very specific directive printed in Spanish (because this wise guy knows I have amazing perfect Spanish and not just Google Translate): Here is part of the List: 1. Do not make friends with people who offer…

Teaching English in Colombia | Skinny Dipping

Culture, Dating, Teaching English February 11, 2013 openmindedtraveler

I am now in Ibagué, skinny dipping, meeting my future co-workers, the Jefe (a.k.a. Bossman), exploring the city and still fighting my cold. Ok, tranquilo, my cold will get better. For now I am not really settling in, I am staying at a big empty house for the first week…

My Crazy Life Takes Me Colombia Instead of Peru

Culture, Teaching English, Travel February 9, 2013 openmindedtraveler

February 7, 2013It’s a brand new beautiful day in a new chapter of My Crazy Life in Colombia Instead of Peru. Originally, my flight plans were going to take me to Arequipa, Peru. There was a tentative English teaching situation which would help me get a new foothold on the…

My “Goodbye America” visit to San Francisco, California US

Teaching English, Travel February 7, 2013 openmindedtraveler

When you leave for an epic adventure how do you say goodbye properly? That is the question every traveler must answer for themselves. For me it is a trip to San Francisco! For Culture! Dance! And Food! San Francisco is an icon of American immigrant culture, it is a city built…

American Coffee Culture and The Best Coffee in Reno, NV

Travel February 3, 2013 openmindedtraveler

Coffee has always been an important part of American culture, however few Americans stop to remember the birth of our strong coffee tradition. Up until the revolutionary war American colonists kept the British tea time tradition. However when Britain decided the colonies were not yielding them enough profit they began…

My Last Substitute Teaching Job in the United States

Culture, Teaching English January 18, 2013 openmindedtraveler

Many people in my stateside city of residence cringe when I say the name Washoe High School, their perceptions are based on stereotypes and unfortunate facts. However I am honored to spend my last two weeks before I leave to go abroad as a substitute teacher working for this school. I can see beyond the face…

Countdown to Adventure!

Teaching English, Travel January 10, 2013 openmindedtraveler

Only 4 more weeks until I once more bid all my family and loved ones goodbye again for another yet undetermined period of absence. The hardest part of the wandering life is leaving and returning. When we leave, all of our friends and family engage in a battle of push…

Day 4 & 5 Reno Winter Bachata Festival

Travel January 7, 2013 openmindedtraveler

Whenever a group of like minded individuals gather, good things are bound to happen. And it definitely was happening on days 4 & 5 of the Winter Bachata Festival. As I volunteered and participated in workshops at the festival I bonded with other people who had so much passion and…

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